2025 Animal Feed Consumption Report Results

US Livestock, Poultry & Aquaculture Feed Consumption Trends & Sustainability Insights

Introduction

The Fats and Proteins Research Foundation (FPRF), in partnership with the North American Renderers Association (NARA), The Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), and the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), has released a groundbreaking report analyzing feed consumption patterns across U.S. livestock, poultry, and aquaculture. Conducted by Decision Innovation Solutions (DIS), this research provides critical insights into ingredient utilization and sustainability within the industry.

Key Findings

Utilizing a ration cost optimization (RCO) model, the study quantified the total feed consumption of major animal species in 2023:

  • Total feed consumption: 283.6 million tons
  • Top feed consumers:
    • Beef cattle: 76.7 million tons
    • Broilers: 61.5 million tons
    • Hogs: 60.9 million tons
  • Primary feed ingredients: Corn, soybean meal, corn DDGs

Shifts in Ingredient Utilization

The study identified key trends in ingredient consumption:

  • Circular ingredient use decreased by 3.7% since 2019
  • Non-circular ingredient consumption increased by 7.6%
  • Use of animal protein meals declined by 25%
  • Fats and oils usage dropped by 39%

Industry Perspective

Kent Swisher, President and CEO of NARA and FPRF, emphasized the importance of data-driven insights:

“Access to accurate production data is essential for the rendering industry to demonstrate our sustainability and efficiency. Circular ingredients, like rendered products, play a crucial role in reducing waste, lowering carbon footprints, and supporting a more sustainable food chain. By embracing data-driven insights, we can further highlight the environmental and economic benefits of rendering.”

Circular Ingredients and Sustainability

A major highlight of the study is the role of circular ingredients—by-products from the human food industry that are not commonly consumed by people. These materials represented 37% of total feed consumption, demonstrating the rendering industry’s leadership in food waste reduction and sustainability.

Rendered animal products, including protein meals and fats, align with circular economy principles by keeping valuable resources in use, lowering environmental impact, and supporting sustainability in both food and energy industries.

Key Insights:

✅ 283.6 million tons of feed consumed in 2023
✅ 37% of feed sourced from circular ingredients, reducing waste
✅ Significant shifts in ingredient usage, including a 25% drop in animal protein meal consumption and a 39% decline in fats and oils use

Why It Matters:

✔️ Supports a more sustainable food chain
✔️ Demonstrates rendering’s role in circular economy practices
✔️ Highlights data-driven strategies for industry efficiency

Rendering’s Role

Rendered materials, including used cooking oil (UCO) and animal fats, are vital in maintaining a sustainable feed industry by maximizing resource efficiency, reducing waste, and minimizing environmental impact. This report provides a foundation for further advancements in circular economy practices and sustainable feed solutions.

Read the full report HERE

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